Processing keyword: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (After doing something, result)
Korean Grammar Point: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (After doing something, result)
1. Introduction
In learning Korean, connecting actions with their outcomes is essential for expressing sequences and cause-and-effect relationships. One useful grammatical structure for this purpose is ~했더니 (haetdeoni). This connective ending allows speakers to indicate that after they did something, a particular result occurred. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~했더니, its formation, comparisons with similar grammar points, and practical examples to enhance your understanding.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
~했더니 expresses that after the speaker performed an action, a certain result was observed or experienced. It often implies a discovery or an unexpected outcome that directly followed the action.
Structure
Formation Diagram
[Verb Stem] + 았/었더니 + [Result Clause]
- Verb Stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
- Attach:
- 았더니 if the verb stem ends with 아 or 오 vowel.
- 었더니 if the verb stem ends with any other vowel.
- 했더니 for verbs ending with 하다.
Examples of Formation
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | Ending | Combined Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | 았더니 | 갔더니 | After I went... |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | 었더니 | 먹었더니 | After I ate... |
| 마시다 (to drink) | 마시 | 었더니 | 마셨더니 | After I drank... |
| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하 | 었더니 | 공부했더니 | After I studied... |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparing ~했더니 with ~하니까
- ~했더니 (haetdeoni)
- Used when the speaker did the first action.
- The result is often a new discovery or unexpected.
- Emphasizes personal experience.
- ~하니까 (hanikka)
- Can be used regardless of who did the action.
- Indicates a general cause-and-effect relationship.
- Less emphasis on personal involvement. Example Comparison:
- 문을 열었더니 고양이가 들어왔어요.
- After I opened the door, a cat came in.
- 문을 여니까 고양이가 들어왔어요.
- When the door was opened, a cat came in.
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
- 사진을 찍었더니 기억이 생생해졌어요.
- After I took pictures, the memories became vivid.
- 밤을 샜더니 피곤해요.
- After I stayed up all night, I am tired.
- 낮잠을 잤더니 꿈을 꿨어요.
- After I took a nap, I had a dream.
- 새 신발을 신었더니 발이 아파요.
- After I wore new shoes, my feet hurt.
- 이 약을 먹었더니 좀 나아졌어요.
- After I took this medicine, I felt a bit better.
Formal and Informal Contexts
- Informal Speech:
- 영화를 봤더니 정말 무서웠어.
- After I watched the movie, it was really scary.
- 영화를 봤더니 정말 무서웠어.
- Formal Speech:
- 영화를 봤더니 정말 무서웠습니다.
- After I watched the movie, it was really scary.
- 영화를 봤더니 정말 무서웠습니다.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Korean culture, expressing personal experiences and observations is common in daily conversations. Using ~했더니 highlights the speaker's direct involvement and personal discovery, which aligns with the value placed on firsthand experiences.
Levels of Politeness
While ~했더니 itself doesn't change formality levels, the ending of the result clause should match the appropriate level of politeness based on the audience.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 김치를 먹었더니 매워요.
- After I ate kimchi, it was spicy. This reflects the common experience of spiciness associated with kimchi in Korean cuisine.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
Mistake: Using ~했더니 when the speaker did not perform the action.
- Incorrect: 친구가 노래를 불렀더니 모두 박수를 쳤어요.
- (Friend sang a song, and then everyone clapped.)
- Correct: 친구가 노래를 부르니까 모두 박수를 쳤어요.
- When my friend sang a song, everyone clapped. Tip: Use ~했더니 only when you performed the action in the first clause.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of 했더니 as "Did (했) and then (더니)", emphasizing that you did something and then something happened.
- Practice Exercise: Write down activities you did today and the results you observed using ~했더니.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~했더니 is used when the speaker did an action and then observed a result.
- It connects the speaker's action to a consequent discovery or outcome.
- Distinct from ~하니까, which is more general and not limited to the speaker's actions.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the Blank: After I ran, I was thirsty. 뛰었___ 목이 말랐어요. Answer: 뛰었더니
- True or False: ~했더니 can be used when talking about someone else's actions. Answer: False
- Translate to Korean: After I listened to music, I felt better. Answer: 음악을 들었더니 기분이 좋아졌어요.
By mastering ~했더니, you can effectively convey your personal experiences and the results that follow, adding depth to your Korean communication skills.